Appraisal of cowpea cropping systems and farmers’ perceptions of production constraints and preferences in the dry savannah areas of Nigeria

Abstract Background Low plant density and wide intra-plant spacing in traditional cowpea cropping systems are among the factors responsible for low yield on farmers’ fields. Sole improved intercropping have been advocated last few years to increase dry savannah areas of Nigeria. This study investigated level adoption high yielding including that influenced their use perceived production constraints preferences. A total 420 farmers across 36 villages northern Nigeria were interviewed, data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics appraise predominant determine sole versus identified with aid binary logit regression. Furthermore, pairwise comparison ranking deployed understand view preferred traits. Results The results revealed that, many (42%) still grow cowpeas a good number (25%) cultivate crop as crop, while 23% had fields both systems. Farmers reported incidence insect pests, limited access land, desire multiple benefits, assurance event failure reasons preference over planting. preferences Striga , drought poor fertilizers major increased productivity. Many indicated most trait. Conclusions Findings indicate need education training importance growing or Genetic improvement efforts should focus developing varieties address reflect diversity consumers’ crop. Hence, breeding resistance pests is recommended an important priority programmes region.